LAS VEGAS- In an exciting fight between Erislandy Lara (25-3-2, 14 KO's) and Jarrett Hurd (22-0-0, 15 KO's) a new unified champion has been crowned. Jarrett Hurd edges the very slick and game Erislandy Lara via split decision from the Hard Rock Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The scorecards read 114-113 for Lara, 114-113, and 114-113 for Jarrett Hurd.

The fight was an absolutely grueling 12 round battle, which saw both men have success throughout the fight. Lara started the fight sharpshooting his vaunted straight left hand, and landing at will. Hurd continued to press forward landing body shots, and sneaky uppercuts on the inside. What was interesting in the fight was how Lara chose to employ a strategy of fighting in close, and playing into the strength of the younger Hurd.

Oddly enough, Lara had success throughout most of the fight despite not fighting his usual stick and move style. Heading into the late rounds, Hurd started turning up the pressure and managed to bust Lara up a bit, causing some swelling above and beneath his right eye. As Lara slowed, Hurd continued to mount the pressure. Lara remained in the pocket and still had some success until the final round when he was caught with a short hook which dropped him. He managed to get back to his feet, and finish the round fighting, but it was not enough as the knockdown proved to be the difference in the fight.

After the fight, Hurd said he is willing to fight anyone in the division, and that he is the man in the division now so things would be negotiated on his terms.

Lara felt as though he won the fight and called for a rematch with Hurd. It'll be interesting to see what direction the Hurd camp chooses going forward. Fellow champion Jermell Charlo was at ringside and made it clear that after his upcoming fight, he would be more than willing to fight the newly crowned unified champion Hurd.

Joseph Correa is the Founder of Frontproof Media. He has dedicated years to multiple aspects of the sport of boxing from one-time amateur fighter to most recently working ringside as a photographer and journalist. Prior to taking up this profession, Joseph worked as a freelance portrait photographer, working primarily with individuals in the entertainment industry. Joseph has a passion for working with people and growing fruitful business relationships.

Joseph Correa is the Founder of Frontproof Media. He has dedicated years to multiple aspects of the sport of boxing from one-time amateur fighter to most recently working ringside as a photographer and journalist. Prior to taking up this profession, Joseph worked as a freelance portrait photographer, working primarily with individuals in the entertainment industry. Joseph has a passion for working with people and growing fruitful business relationships.